CONTENTS Church of the Loaves and Fishes Attacked in Galilee

Bible Lands Winter 2015/16 Magazine of the Jerusalem and the Middle East Church Association

www.jmeca.org.uk

& TH M E M LE ID SA DL RU E E EA J S N T I D H I C O R C E U S

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Jerusalem Egypt & North Africa Cyprus & the Gulf Iran

The 5th century mosaic, safe in the damaged church CONTENTS Church of the Loaves and Fishes attacked in Galilee – see page 8 The Gaza Hospital – an update – pages 12 & 13 The Battle for the Soul of Islam by Bishop Bill Musk – pages 16 & 17 THE JERUSALEM AND Bible Lands Editor Letters, articles, comments are welcomed by the Editor: THE MIDDLE EAST CHURCH Canon Timothy Biles, 36 Hound Street, ASSOCIATION Sherborne DT9 3AA Tel: 01935 816247 Email: [email protected] (JMECA) The next issue will be published in May for Summer 2016. Founded in 1887 Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily ‘To encourage support in prayer, money and those of the Association; therefore only signed articles personal service for the religious and other will be published. charitable work of the Episcopal church in JMECA Website www.jmeca.org.uk Jerusalem and the Middle East’. The site has information for each of the four Dioceses Reg. Charity no. 1158476 with links to the websites of each one and regular www.jmeca.org.uk updates of Middle East news.

Patron THE CENTRAL SYNOD OF THE PROVINCE The Most Reverend and Right Honourable The Archbishop of Canterbury President The Most Revd Archbishop Dr Mouneer Anis Chairman Secretary Mr. Richard Owens OBE Mrs. Georgia Katsantonis Administrator [email protected] Mrs. Shirley Eason Treasurer Assistant: Mrs, Ginny Heffernan The Reverend Canon William Schwartz. 1 Hart House, The Hart Jerusalem Farnham GU9 7HJ, Surrey. The Most Reverend Archbishop Suheil Dawani [email protected] St George’s Cathedral Close, PO Box 1248, Jerusalem Office days: Tuesday to Friday, 9.30am – 2.00pm. Tel: +972 2 6272932 Tel/Fax 01252 726994 [email protected] The Council of JMECA delegates the administration website: www.j-diocese.org of its assets to a Standing Committee which is Iran THE JERUSALEM AND THE EAST MISSION TRUST The Rt Revd Azad Marshall LIMITED (JEMT) PO Box +971 4 62170 Dubai UAE also St Pauls Church, Avanue Hafez (North), Opp, Bazar Val Asr No Administrator as above 749 Tehran 15977 Iran Directors [email protected] Mr. John Clark (Chairman) Egypt Mr. Andrew Hill The Most Revd Archbishop Mouneer Anis All Saints Cathedral, PO Box 87, Distribution Zamalek, The Venerable Howard Levett Cairo, Egypt Mr. Richard Owens OBE Tel: +20 2 2738 0821 Mr. John G Pringle (Hon Treasurer) [email protected] The Reverend Dr. William Taylor website: www.dioceseofegypt.org Sir Harold Walker KCMG Cyprus and the Gulf Mr. David Wright OBE The Rt. Revd. Michael Lewis The Reverend Canon Hugh Wybrew Diocesean Office, PO Box 22075, 1517 Nicosia Tel: +357 22671220 Consultants The Bishop’s PA Mrs. Georgia Katsantonis The Reverend Canon Timothy Biles [email protected] The Reverend Canon Precious Omuku website: www.cypgulf.org (Archbishop of Canterbury’s Representative)

2 by the JEMT chairman, John Clark

In the Middle East, Christian communities are not immune from the inter-religious, political and communal conflict situations in which they live. At times they are called to speak out about them as well as to live out their Christian faith by action as well as word. As a publication that seeks to provide perspectives from and support for the Episcopal Church in the region our Editor in publicising issues of politics and conflict is careful to draw on reports from the dioceses themselves. For it is all too easy for those who live far from the region to project their views on to the political situation and regional conflicts – and Bible Lands could well fill its space with a variety of opinions about such divisions in the region.

This winter edition of Bible Lands highlights a number of areas of conflict and struggle. Following the reduction in subsidy for Christians schools in Israel and a protest strike by teachers and pupils the Heads of all Churches in Jerusalem, including Archbishop Suheil, produced a unanimous letter of protest (see page 21). Although there has been a temporary solution, the longer-term issue of equality for all communities in Israel remains. The report from the Diocese of Jerusalem on the arson attack by Jewish extremists on the Church in Tiberias (page 8) is a reminder of the ever present potential for inter-communal conflict. And there is an update on the role of Al-Ahli National Hospital in Gaza (pages 12-13) following the remarkable response of readers to our appeal for donations last year, which raised over £100,000. We also pay tribute to the life of Bishop Samir Kafity (page 19), a significant bishop in the story of the Jerusalem diocese.

In our reviews section (page 18) two books by well-known experts on the Middle East provide first-rate background to two of the most terrible recent developments in the region, the civil wars taking place in Syria and the rise of ISIS.

Bishop Bill Musk retired this autumn from his role as Bishop for North Africa. He has been connected with the Middle East and North Africa for at least forty years and is a noted author on popular Islam. We are fortunate to have a reflection from him on the massacre in Tunisia (pages 16-17), where the so-called Arab Spring originated, and where he has also been Vicar of St George’s Tunis.

The Diocese of Iran does not often feature in these pages but in this issue (page 20) the role of prayer for the members of the little Episcopal Church, for other Christians and for the wider community are highlighted in a selection of prayers – and the remarkable eight-point star with Jesus as its focus from the Church of St Simon the Zealot in Shiraz.

With serious conflicts in Libya, Yemen, Syria, Iraq and the long-lasting Israeli-Palestinian struggle, the situation in many parts of the region grows increasingly ominous. But beneath the headlines there remain Christians and others committed to a different way to live. Our interest, prayers and gifts for the work of the Episcopal Church remain an important contribution to its ministry and work to promote the ‘way of Christ’ amidst the darkening clouds of conflict. So we are most grateful to our readers and supporters for their gifts, their prayers and their concern.

John Clark

3 Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf www.cypgulf.org Cyprus and the Gulf Cyprus

Bishop Michael Lewis explains that the Diocese of Cyprus & the Gulf covers Oman, the Yemen, the seven United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq and the whole of Cyprus. “In every part of the diocese, except in Cyprus and Iraq, the congregations are largely expatriate, made up of Christians from Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and the African continent. Many do not come from an Anglican background but find a welcome church

Bishop Michael Lewis home in our Anglican congregations. Through some intricate and special relationships, the Diocese is often responsible for churches and congregations which are not Anglican, Iraq some of which are still working out their Cyprus Bahrain

relationships to the Bishop and Synod. Qatar Worship is largely in English but in some Kuwait locations we have liturgy in Arabic, Syriac- Aramaic, Tamil and Urdu. Bishop Azad United Marshall of Iran has a particular ministry Arab Emirates to the Urdu-speaking congregations within Oman our diocese.” Yemen

BAGHDAD One area of continuing concern is Baghdad. More refugees from besieged areas are coming to the In the picture Fr Faiz and his wife Nawal, together with city to stay with relatives, and coming to church with the congregation, are seen providing fans, fridges, them. In a sense this is good, but it puts a strain on water and air coolers, televisions, and more to sixty the food distribution programme at a time when a or so families whose lives have been uprooted. They revised relationship between FFRRME (Foundation have also been offering food and entertainment in the For Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East) and new church hall above the school and kindergarten the diocese is resulting in fewer funds being available premises. to the church. Since April 2015 Anglican Aid (Australia) has been A recent substantial donation from the Church of the sending Australian $31,000 every two months to St Epiphany in Doha, Qatar, has enabled Fr Faiz Jerjes, George’s Church in Baghdad, which directs the funds our priest in Baghdad, to serve the physical as well to persecuted minorities in Northern Iraq through as the spiritual needs of the many internally displaced other churches. Anglican Aid is encouraging the Iraqis who have fled Da’esh (Islamic State) in the network of supporters to continue to support Iraqi Mosul and Nineveh Plain area and are now at and minority groups through prayers and tax deductible around St George’s. financial support.

4 Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf www.cypgulf.org Cyprus and the Gulf Cyprus

that an appointment may be made by the time this YEMEN: “We must be in is published. for the long haul” The building of a new church in Mustaffa, Abu Dhabi With no end in sight to the problems in is an exciting new venture in cooperation with the Korean Methodist Church, and that is proceeding Yemen, chaos is the order of the day. well. That Church has committed further funds and is enthusiastic about the partnership. Even the provision of food, water and electricity is Bishop Michael Lewis problematic for our clinic staff there. Bahrain has reported strong growth in its Kenyan contingent within the congregation there. Revd Paul There has been shelling in the area that may have Davies has been licensed as the new senior priest in destabilised buildings whose doors and windows have Doha, Qatar. been blown out. All that is possible is a temporary securing and making safe until such time as the In Dubai there are hopeful signs that a new era might situation allows repairs to be made and the necessary be within grasp. materials arrive to do them. But that time is still far Please give thanks to God for the Reverend Jon off and Bishop Michael expressed concern that in the Lavelle, ordained to the priesthood at St Christopher’s meantime we do not lose heart or resolve. We have Cathedral Manama in the Kingdom of Bahrain on responsibilities to our remarkable and loyal staff, and Saturday 5 September. Jon has been serving as in due course the need will be even greater. Our curate there for a year as deacon. Remember too presence there as a Christian organisation is an his wife Karen, as well as the cathedral parish and inspiration to many and has a value in itself. “We must worshippers at Awali church. Jon was formerly active be in for the long haul,” he said. in the congregation of St Andrew Abu Dhabi and looks Bishop Michael says: forward to continued ministry in the Gulf. Christ Church Aden, incorporating the Ras Morbat Cyprus Clinic, is a sign of hope and love. All the activities that go on within the compound are intended as The new Dean, Very Revd Jeremy Crocker has been an offering of thanks to God. Since God is the only installed at a grand service in the cathedral and the maker of all creation, the activities are also acts appointment of Revd Gabriel Amat to a senior priest of service to God’s people and a witness to God’s post in Eastern Cyprus has been announced. The embracing love for us all. Christians rejoice with appointments process in Paphos is proceeding and their brothers and sisters, Muslims and others, that interim ministry cover has been arranged, partly He has all of us in His hand, and He is merciful, though the good offices of the ever-popular Ian Calder. compassionate and close. May God bless the Yemen, Aden, Ras Morbat, and Christ Church.

THE GULF The Venerable Bill Schwartz, archdeacon in the Gulf, reports on several new initiatives in the region.

A new building has been opened in Kuwait, adjacent Bishop Michael is pictured above with two new to St Paul’s Church in Ahmadi, and this will open up Deacons, Chris Goldsmith (left) and Geoff Graham, lots of new opportunities for the church there. following the Ordination in St Paul’s Cathedral There is every prospect of a new ministry beginning Nicosia on Saturday 27 June. A packed cathedral soon in Al Ain. This rapidly growing congregation also saw the licensing of Bill Grundy as a Reader. which presently meets in a Golf Club has been without Chris will serve her curacy in Limassol and Geoff, its own Chaplain since Rev’d Robin Lee left, but the his, in Larnaca. Bill Grundy’s ministry will be post has been advertised, and there is real anticipation centered on Kyrenia. 5 Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf www.cypgulf.org Cyprus and the Gulf Cyprus

Anglican-Orthodox Commission For the last six years Bishop Michael has been part of the worldwide International Anglican-Orthodox Commission for Theological Dialogue. This communique summarises work accomplished Bishop Michael Lewis in the Commission’s latest meeting.

International Commission for Anglican-Orthodox Theological Dialogue The meeting commenced with the Hierarchical Divine September 2015 – Communiqué from Buffalo, New Liturgy at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. York, United States of America Commission members also attended an ecumenical celebration of Evensong at St Paul’s Episcopal In the name of the Triune God, and with the blessing Cathedral. The Commission was welcomed by Bishop and guidance of our Churches, the International William Franklin of the Diocese of Western New York. Commission for Anglican-Orthodox Theological In his homily he spoke of the contribution to Christian Dialogue (ICAOTD) met in Buffalo, New York, from unity made by a former bishop of the diocese, Charles 19 to 25 September 2015. The Commission is deeply Henry Brent, who was a leading pioneer in the Faith grateful for the generous hospitality extended by and Order movement. Daily prayer strengthened and the Orthodox Church of the Annunciation in Buffalo grounded the work accomplished together. Morning (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Ecumenical and evening prayers were offered, alternating between Patriarchate of Constantinople). Anglicans and Orthodox. Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit formally welcomed The fellowship of the Commission was enriched by the Commission to its meeting in his diocese. He the warm and gracious reception by parishioners of offered praise and encouragement for the work of the the Annunciation Church, and their parish priest, the dialogue. He stressed the urgent need for expressions Revd Dr Christos Christakis, who is the Orthodox of Christian unity in light of the deep challenges and Co-Secretary of the dialogue. Members of the crises before the global community, mindful of events Commission were introduced to the unique historic, unfolding even as the Commission undertook its cultural and natural characteristics of the city of deliberations. Buffalo, Niagara Falls and the surrounding area. The Commission brought to completion the first The work of the Commission will continue at its next section of its work on the theological understanding meeting in September 2016, to be hosted by the of the human person, with the adoption of its agreed Anglican Communion. statement, In the Image and Likeness of God: A Hope-Filled Anthropology. The report, shortly to be Metropolitan Kallistos of Diokleia, published, is the culmination of six years of study Orthodox Co-Chairman. on what Anglicans and Orthodox can say together The Most Revd Roger Herft, about the meaning of human personhood in the Anglican Co-Chairman. divine image. This agreement lays the foundation for continuing dialogue on ethical decision-making in the light of “Give we pray, Almighty God, to the whole this vision. At its future meetings the Commission Christian people, unity peace and concord, will consider the practical consequences of this both visible and invisible. Amen” theological approach to personhood. The Commission anticipates ongoing study in areas such as bioethics xxxxx and the sanctity of life, as well as human rights and Behold how good and beautiful a thing it is ecological justice. brethren, to dwell together in unity

6 Diocese of Jerusalem Jerusalem

The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, a diocese of the worldwide Anglican Communion, extends over five countries, including Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine and Israel, within the Province of Jerusalem and the

Archbishop Suheil Dawani Middle East. There are 27 parishes that minister to the needs of their communities, centered on the Cathedral Church of St. George the Martyr, Syria Lebanon in Jerusalem. The diocese supports 35 institutions, which include hospitals, clinics, kindergartens and schools,

vocational training programmes, as Palestine well as institutions for the deaf, the & Israel disabled and the elderly, reaching out to Jordan interfaith neighbours in mutual respect and cooperation.

The Archbishop says: We were delighted to be able to launch the restoration process of St Saviour’s Church in Acre. As you will read (page 9), we had many clergy and members of the community at this event, including those of other faiths. However, within a couple of weeks we were sadness for the Christian community responsible shocked with the news of the vandalism and serious for the Church in Tabgha, but also fear about which fire at the Church of the Multiplication at Tabgha which Church will be next. We need to ensure that the Status was caused by extremist Jewish settlers (page 8). Quo is maintained and that all places of worship are This is not the first, and we fear not the last, church to respected and kept safe. Please pray for respect and be vandalized in this way and causes not only great protection for all places of worship in the region.

Correction The summer 2015 edition of this magazine stated, incorrectly, that the Diocese of Jerusalem had been restored to its pre-1976 Archiepiscopal status. The minute of the Provincial Synod resolution of October 2014 stated: “The Synod of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East, a Province of the Anglican Communion, resolved the following: A) The Primate (President Bishop) of the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East shall, during his time in office, bear the title of Archbishop, subject to his relinquishment of the title when he ceases to hold office as Primate; and B) The Bishop of the Diocese of Jerusalem shall, during his time in office, bear the title of Archbishop in Jerusalem, subject to his relinquishment of the title when he ceases to hold office as Bishop of the Diocese of Jerusalem; Provided that the metropolitical authority of the Synod of the Province shall remain unaltered and that the holding of the title “Archbishop” shall imply no extra-diocesan jurisdiction or seniority. This resolution is effective from 23 October 2014.” Thank you for the clarification from the Provincial Synod. Editor

7 Diocese of Jerusalem Jerusalem

Christian church attacked Archbishop Suheil Dawani Archdeacon Samuel Barhoum, Christian Formation Department Director, writes about attacks on Christian churches:

On Thursday, 18 June, I woke up to the news of an arson attack on the Church of the Multiplication at Tabgha on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus fed the 5,000 in the miracle of the five loaves and two fish. This is not the first time an attack on a sacred place has occurred. Since 2011, 49 attacks have destroy and burn our places of worship and cause happened on Christian and Muslim holy places, as harm to us, just because we are different from them. well as harassment of clergy. These events continue We need to pray for those who teach hatred and as no one has been brought to justice or even rejection. This brings me to the parable of who is my identified. No one has been caught and punished, neighbour, and Jesus’ response that my neighbour thus there is no deterrent, so we expect additional is “The one who showed mercy”! Consequently, we attacks in the future, because these incidents are must follow Christ’s example and show mercy to all a result of these perpetrators being educated to around us, whether they are people who love us or hate, to reject those who are different from them not. We must accept the other as a brother. If we look and to fight them. at the word ‘brother’, it has the word ‘other’ as part of I went with Archbishop Suheil, clergy and laity from it. The same applies to the word brother in Arabic and the Galilee to show solidarity, to show that the stones Hebrew, is it a coincidence for the three languages to of the church may be burnt or destroyed, but we, the have this? Thus, the others, those who are different living stones, the indigenous Christians, who have from us, are also our brothers and sisters, as we kept and continue to keep the faith since the time of are all created in the image of God. In returning to Jesus, will continue to keep our faith; our hearts are the church that was burnt; this is the Church where churches that cannot be destroyed. Jesus fed the multitude with five loaves and two fish. He blessed the food, but gave it to His disciples to When we got there it was devastating to see everything distribute to the people. He gave them the authority, smouldering; the bibles, hymnals and leaflets given to the leadership to feed the people and respond to pilgrims. The smell was horrible. We saw the door to their needs, so the question is where are those with the monastery burnt in an attempt to harm the monks, authority? Where is the leadership to respond to the men of peace whose mission is to minister to people, people’s needs? Where are those with authority to no matter who they are or where they come from. I bring the perpetrators to justice? It seems we are also saw the graffiti in Hebrew spray-painted on the waiting for another miracle to happen. wall, a line from the aleinu, a daily Jewish prayer, “the false idols will be eliminated”. It was heartbreaking That is why my work as the Director of the newly to see the devastation and it brought to mind the established Christian Formation Department in verse in John’s gospel; “They will put you out of the Diocese is so important. Trying to teach the the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when acceptance of the ‘other’ through raising awareness whoever kills you will think he is offering service to and dialogue within the Church and with people God”. of other faiths, because when we do not know the ‘other’, we remain within a circle of fear, suspicion But through all this, we are reminded that nothing and rejection, but with awareness, we are able to can separate us from the love of Christ. Despite all build bridges and break down walls and barriers. As things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, we believe that whatever happens, the power of love who loved us. This gives us hope to persevere no will overcome the love of power and hatred. matter what happens. Jesus taught us that we need to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute To learn more about the Christian Formation Program in us. Therefore, we need to pray for those who seek to our Diocese, contact Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem [email protected] 8 Diocese of Jerusalem Jerusalem

Restorations planned The restoration of churches and revival

Archbishop Suheil Dawani of ministry in Episcopal churches of the Holy Land is not new to the Diocese of Jerusalem. In March 2011, the Church of St. Paul in West Jerusalem was re- dedicated to serve the larger community of Jerusalem. Furthermore, the Church of St. Peter at Jaffa is currently in the process of being restored, to revive its ministry to serve foreign workers and expatriate staff in the Jaffa and Tel-Aviv area. St Paul’s Church, West Jerusalem, closed since 1948, now restored to regular use.

Barhoum, and Rev Nael Abu Rahmon. The event Brief background to started with a welcoming parade of the Akko Christian St Saviour’s Church: Forum Scouts Band that led us through part of the city until we reached the Church. Mr. Hatem Fares Services in Acre were started in 1874 by the late started his speech of welcome by saying, “This is a Rev Khalil Kawar. historic visit Your Grace. It has come after many years In 1901 the church began to provide medical of waiting. It is good that you are now among us to services to the people of the city and launch the revival of the church in Acre” surrounding villages, until the Synod of the In his speech, Archbishop Suheil emphasized the Church made the decision to start building importance of the restoration of this church, which has Saviour’s Church in 1946 inaugurated and come in response to the desire and call of the people dedicated in September in 1947. The 1948 war of the city of Acre, to serve others. “Humans are the began and our parishioners escaped the city most important creatures. God has created them in due to acts of violence. Despite that the ministry his own image and we must respect their rights and continued, but gradually faded over the years therefore respect the idea of creating an atmosphere of until completely halted in 1979. Today in 2015, rapprochement and cooperation, an atmosphere that we see a new beginning, new horizons and helps the promotion of peace, security and stability for new potential for a dynamic ministry in the city. all the people especially in this City. The message of the monotheistic religions is love, respect, promoting tolerance and living in peace and tranquillity. We are The Very Revd Hosam Naoum, Dean of St one family working together to serve the city in the George’s Cathedral, Jerusalem tells of the name of Christ Jesus for the glory of God and the efforts to reopen the Episcopal Anglican service of humanity”. In conclusion, the Archbishop church in Acre thanked all who contributed to the preparation of the event and those who attended from Acre and beyond. “On the 11th June, I had the pleasure of accompanying our Archbishop Suheil Dawani to the coastal city of Several key speakers welcomed Archbishop Acre to a special event to launch the revival and Suheil and expressed the importance of this visit restoration of the ministry of St Saviour’s Church. supporting such an important event and step We were welcomed by a large crowd composed of in Acre. Among the speakers were Father Nael parish priests, parishioners and community members. Helu, the Meronite parish priest of Acre, Father Among the dignitaries were Mr. Hatem Paris, Mr. Andrew, Rector of the Melkite Catholic Church, Hisham Al-Shami and Mrs.Wala Ramal, members Mr. Amin Wasfi Honorary Consul of Russia, and of the Municipality of the City and representatives of Jenny Tannous, Judge in the Magistrate’s Court local churches, including Father Nael Helu and Father in Acre; they all confirmed that to launch the Andrew Bahhouth. Also my brothers from the other restoration and revival of the church service Episcopal parishes in the Galilee Rev Bilal Habibi, Rev in the Episcopal Church is important both for the Fuad Dagher, Rev Hanna Dalleh, Rev Canon Hatem churches themselves and also for people of all Shehadeh, Rev Imad Daibes, Archdeacon Samuel religions dwelling in Acre. 9 Diocese of Jerusalem Jerusalem

St George’s College College in Brisbane since 2007. He is also senior This is a time of major change for St lecturer in the School

Archbishop Suheil Dawani George’s College as the Very Revd Dr of Theology at Charles Graham Smith leaves the role of Dean on Sturt University.” The completion of his five year term, and the archbishop describes Dr Jenks’ present role Revd Dr Gregory Jenks arrives to develop at Brisbane which the work further. includes membership of the Consortium for the The Retiring Dean: Bethsaida Excavations Dr Graham Smith Project in Israel. He will has undeertaken become a Residentiary Canon of St George’s the refurbishing and Cathedral and the archbishop looks forward to a new updating of the College ministry which will continue to serve faithfully the world accommodation and wide Anglican Communion. facilities. “We renovated Editor the bathrooms in twenty rooms (all en suite), we renovated the course 2016 Course Programme director’s apartment, we fixed the entire air Palestine of Jesus conditioning system January 11 – January 24 and we have furnished a roof garden.” He believes that February 23 – March 3 March 30 – April 8 the College staff are the best. “We have the best chef in May 4 – May 12 Jerusalem, the best gardener, the best housekeepers May 16 – May 27 and the best office staff you can imagine” And he July 1 – July 8 declares that anyone who has been on a College July 18 – July 29 course will agree with him. During his five year term August 24 – September 2 ha has had two Course Directors “Revd Dr. Kamal September 6 – September 15 Farah was the best Palestinian academic in the land, September 19 – September 30 we loved him, and when he retired we employed the November 15 – November 24 Dr. Rodney Aist a specialist in pilgrimage. Our courses December 6 – December 15 are the finest in Jerusalem and attract seminarians December 28 – January 6, 2017 from every part of the Anglican communion.” All who Old Testament Landscapes and Narratives know the College will also want to pay a tribute to his January 26 – February 4 wife Sherry, a retired nurse, who has been the perfect Palestine of Jesus with Kanuga host with a care for every student and who has had the February 8 – February 16 eye and the will to see through interior decorating in an attractive style. He concludes “We leave St George’s Sharing Perspectives: Muslims and with a deep sense of satisfaction and gratitude. I Christians in the Holy Land March 10 – March 17 thank God for Archbishop Dawani’s invitation to serve here. We wish the new Dean, Dr Gregory The Bible and Archeology Jenks, and his wife a fruitful time as the college June 12 – July 8 begins its next chapter as one of the most unique Women in the Bible institutions in the Anglican Communion.” June 16 – June 25 Living Stones: Peace, Reconciliation and The New Dean: the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem Archbishop Dawani has written to the whole Anglican October 14 – October 23 Communion about the appointment and in his letter Division and Hope in the Holy City: of welcome he says “Revd. Dr. Gregory Jenks is Learning from Rome and Jerusalem an Australian born Anglican priest who has been October 25 – November 1 serving as Academic Dean of St Francis Theological 10 Diocese of Jerusalem Jerusalem Welcome – new Chaplain and they have three young children, Rex, for the Archbishop Alexandra and John.

Archbishop Suheil Dawani The Most Reverend Suheil Dawani, Anglican David’s new role will Archbishop in Jerusalem and Bishop of the focus on supporting Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem, is pleased to the Archbishop in his mission and ministry, announce the appointment of the Reverend in representing and David Longe as his chaplain. accompanying David commenced work on 1st September 2015. the Archbishop throughout the David was ordained deacon in the Diocese of Diocese, aiding Southwark in 2009, and priest in 2010. From 2009 the Archbishop’s to 2015 he served, first as a curate, and then as work on peace and associate priest, in North Lambeth Parish, an inner- reconciliation, providing a link with the Anglican city parish in London. There his ministry included Communion, and when possible welcoming pilgrims working with gang members, vice-chairing the local and participating in the life and worship of St George’s ecumenical committee, and chairing a project that Cathedral. David will also be tasked to help the Living helped ex-offenders and marginalised individuals Stones (the indigenous Christians: Luke 19:40), who re-integrate into society through employment and self- face tremendous pressure in the region. employment. Prior to ordination he worked in London as a lawyer, specialising in Human Rights and Asylum To find out more about the work of the Archbishop law, with a particular interest in representing detained and the Diocese of Jerusalem please visit: asylum applicants. He is married to Sara, a violinist, http://j-diocese.org/.

Obituary

Najwa Kawar Farah (1923-2015) Palestinian writer, artist and broadcaster, tireless advocate for justice and peace Najwa Kawar Farah was born and educated in Nazareth before graduating from the Jerusalem Teacher’s Academy of mandatory Palestine. She became one of the most prolific and talented Palestinian women writers and artists. While she was living in Nazareth in 1948, she experienced the trauma of her home being occupied by another people and she witnessed the expulsion of Palestinians from many towns and villages. Her short stories depicted the many kinds of suffering that Palestinians experienced. She could not tolerate violence in any of its forms to any person of any race or country. She published twenty five books, seven in English, eighteen in Arabic containing short stories, religious and secular drama, poetry, folktales, children’s stories and her own autobiographical accounts. In 1950 she married the Revd Rafiq Farah who later became Archdeacon of Jerusalem and author of the history of the diocese. Together they produced the magazine al-Ra’id. At this period she was much in demand from press and radio. The family moved to Jerusalem when Rafiq became Archdeacon in 1965. Najwa contributed in various ways to the life of the church in the Jerusalem Diocese, especially in writing drama on the birth, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus and directing youth as they acted the drama. Later, while residing in England (1986-1996), she was engaged in supporting Christians Aware and Living Stones organizations and writing articles in the daily London based Arabic newspaper Al-Arab. Before and during their retirement years in Canada, Najwa and Rafiq were invited to tell the story of the Palestinians in USA, Australia, Sweden, and Denmark. Her writing and broadcasting spread over five decades and five continents. She died on August 1st at the age of 92, peacefully in Canada but lamenting the loss of her homeland and pining to return. Editor

11 The Ahli Hospital in Gaza

Readers of this magazine and friends of JMECA contributed more than £100,000 to this hospital following the bombing of Gaza in 2014. Here we publish a recent update from the hospital.

Introduction to Ahli Hospital: Dr Maher Ayyad AAH Medical Director gives a personal account of medical care in a time Ahli Arab Hospital is located in the Gaza Strip area of of war Palestine. As a doctor and surgeon I see a lot; if someone comes It was originally built in 1882 by the Church Missionary to the hospital it is most likely that they have pain if Society (CMS) England in Gaza city. not on top of that misery. In my last thirty years at In 1907, the main building was built with 24 beds in Gaza Arab Ahli Hospital this has been the case but I have City. This hospital was destroyed during the First World to make sure that this pain is healed and misery is War, and was rebuilt by CMS. The Baptist Church ran the finished even if the care process is prolonged. hospital from 1951 until 1982 until it was returned to the My role of caring for the other is driven by my personal original owner, The Episcopal Diocese in Jerusalem and faith in Christ. the Middle East. “I can do all things through him who gives me During the first Intifada 1987 it was the only non-Israeli strength” Philippians 4:13 hospital run by Palestinians in Gaza working with the community. Today, the work of healing continues as the During times of war my work gets even more hospital is one of the general hospitals in the Gaza strip interesting and challenging. Not only in terms of with 80 beds capacity. streams of people who are rushed to the hospitals but in the variation in the complexities of the cases. As it is an institution of the Jerusalem Diocese, Archbishop Suheil is chairman of the Board. Thus far, I have witnessed three wars in the past six years; in 2009, 2012 and 2014. As you can imagine, The Director, Ms. Suhaila Tarazi says: there is nothing pretty about war. Our ministry is mainly driven by Matthew 25: Each war has had its pains and cases but during “Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it the 2014 was one of the most challenging where we to one of these brothers of mine, even the least literarily had to expect the unexpected. One of these of them, you did it to me”. cases remain with me till this very day. The Ahli Hospital is open to all, irrespective of their faith, While I was on duty last August, I was about to social class or political affiliation. Our ministry is to complete an operation on a wounded man but I got reach out to those who are hurting, especially the most an urgent call and a need for immediate intervention vulnerable who have difficulty accessing medical care. and attention. I walked into the operation room AI-Ahli is there to heal the sick and the suffering. and I see a five year old boy lying in bed. He was referred to us from another hospital. He had fifty Our ministry has been focusing on the injured resulting percent deep burn all over his body. from the war and also on people who lost their homes and all their belongings, children who are traumatized ‘Doctor, please take care of this boy. He is my by the bombardment, the loss of loved ones. neighbour.’ said a man standing by the boy.

The 2014 Bombing: • Less than 1% of the construction materials required • Duration: 51 consecutive days. to rebuild houses destroyed and damaged during • Death toll: 2251 Palestinians mostly civilians including, hostilities, and to address natural population growth, 551 children and 299 women. have so far entered Gaza. • Palestinians Injured: 11,231 including 3436 children 10 • At least 373,000 children require direct and specialized percent of who suffer permanent disability psychosocial support on the basis of families who • Housing Units destroyed: more than 18,000 – 12,620 have experienced death, injury or loss of home. totally destroyed, 6,455 severely damaged. • 419 businesses and workshops were damaged, 128 • Caused the largest displacement recorded in Gaza completely destroyed. since 1967 About 100,000 persons (17,670 families).

12 Future Plans The overall situation in the Gaza strip has worsened in the past year. Today there is more unemployment, Gaza is still under siege, there is more poverty than ever, thousands of people are homeless because of the war, children and youth are traumatized. We aim to continue supporting our patients and those who have started their physical and psychosocial healing journey with us. Psychosocial care continues to be an Neighbour? I thought – but why his neighbour? Where area of concern where we hope to continue to provide are his parents? group therapy for mothers and children who suffer post It is not unusual during the war to have non-family war trauma. members next to patients but for children and We hope to step up our outreach free medical mission from especially this one, I had the urge to ask. two days to three days per week where we will be able to ‘He was the only survivor of his family after an FI6 go to follow-up not only on our existing patients but also aircraft bombarded their house, his parents and his help those who are not able to travel to the hospital for one three brothers and sisters all were killed’ the man reason or another. continued. We will also continue providing medical services focusing I stood there for a moment not knowing where to start: on children with different burns and those injured who are to comfort him emotionally or treat him physically? I in need of follow-up surgical procedures: post war patients was speechless – that I remember very vividly. in orthopedics and burn unit care. From the medical history and examination I found out Edited from a series of interviews between that he had a major abdominal surgery for a congenital Mr Sami Khoury, the Diocesan Programmes manager, biliary malformation – I also found out that he was and the staff of the hospital living on supportive medications. At that point we all knew that his journey of healing would take time, both emotionally and physically. We did all what we could to comfort him and care for him. After his recovery from his shock he realized that none of his family members were next to him. He cried constantly, refusing to eat – He wanted his mom and dad to feed him. This is one of the few times that I felt that my intervention was the time when it hurts most is when you help others. It was painful and unforgettable. I don’t ever remember crying while trying to help a patient but in the case of this boy I could not help it. Not long ago I saw him again at the hospital. He had returned for follow up – he was of course much better than when I saw him last summer but his emotional scars will be even deeper than the physical. Archbishop Suheil and the Director

In the war year: • 7662 laboratory tests 1833 X-ray examinations. • 1799 patients treated at the emergency room. • 3550 beneficiary in psychosocial programme. (More than 80% were children.) • 472 injured patients to emergency room. • 1241 food parcels distributed. • 190 of the injured that were admitted to the hospital. • 250 hygiene kits and first aid bags distributed. • 936 follow up visits for injured and vulnerable patients. • 11,000 sessions of rehabilitation, physical, occupational • 2776 days of care. therapy, etc... • 3890 cases of burns. • Hiring of 30 additional staff members to support relief • 17272 cases reached during free medical missions and recovery operations. (50% of them are war related cases). • Purchasing of more than 73,500 litres of fuel for the • 850 cases visited the hospital for outpatient dressing. generators.

13 ( The Diocese of Egypt with North Africa and the Horn of Africa Africa Egypt & North

Since its beginning in 1839, the Diocese has been committed to serve others as Jesus did. We are committed to serving all people holistically, regardless of their religion or social status. Numerically we are small, but in this strategic part of the world, we have a great opportunity and responsibility to be ambassadors of our Lord Jesus, demonstrating in ‘Word and Deed’ what our faith means to us. The Diocese supports over 30 institutions which include hospitals, clinics, nurseries, schools, a theological seminary, micro-enterprise ventures, vocational Archbishop Mouneer Hanna Anis training programs, as well as institutions for the deaf Tunisia and the disabled. The five goals of the Diocese are: to reach the unreached with the Gospel of Christ; to grow Christ’s church by making disciples and Algeria Libya Egypt equipping leaders; to serve our neighbours; to work for unity among all Christians; to Eritrea dialogue with other faith communities.

Support from The Jerusalem and Middle Djibouti

East Church Association (JMECA) to the Ethiopia Diocese in recent years has been directed to helping with mission work, ordination training for Egyptian candidates and medical outreach. Somalia

Bishop Bill Musk retires Bishop Bill retired in October after serving in From the early 2000s he was Vicar of Holy Trinity & St N. Africa as Area Bishop under Archbishop Matthias, Tulse Hill in the Diocese of Southwark. He Mouneer for seven years. was made a Canon of Southwark Cathedral in 2007 and served for several years on a national taskforce He brought to the task very special skills and qualities within the Church of England set up to offer support arising from his previous experience in Egypt and his to parishes situated in areas where people of other deep understanding of Islam. With BA Honours and faiths formed the majority. He was consecrated as MA degrees in Modern History from Oxford University, Area Bishop for North Africa in 2008 where he has a Masters in Theology from Fuller Theological served for the last seven years. Seminary and a DLitt et Phil in Science of Religion from the University of South Africa, Bishop Bill is also a well-known Islamicist and the author of several books: ‘The Unseen Face of Islam’, ‘Touching the Soul of Islam’, ‘Holy War, Kissing Cousins?’ and ‘The Certainty Trap’. After training at Trinity College, Bristol, he was ordained deacon by Bishop Ishaq Musaad in 1981. He served for 6½ years as an Assistant Minister at All Saints’ Cathedral in Cairo and was ordained priest there in 1982. Later, in England, he served as a Team Vicar at St Peter’s, Maghull during the 1990s, part of the Diocese of Liverpool . During those years he was an Anglican representative on the Merseyside Interfaith “Trialogue” of Jews, Christians and Muslims Bishop Bill writes on the Tunisian massacre that met regularly. – pages 16-17 14 The Diocese of Egypt with North Africa and the Horn of Africa Africa Egypt & North

Alexandria School St Frumentius’ Anglican of Theology Theological College, First MA Degrees – July 2015 Ethiopia Ten years after its founding, the Anglican Alexandria Opening Week 13th Sept School of Theology (AST) celebrated its first What will this day be like, I wonder? What will my future graduating class to receive the degree of Masters Archbishop Mouneer Hanna Anis be, I wonder?” These are the words of the character of Arts in Theology, on Saturday 18th of July at Maria in the musical hit, The Sound of Music, as she Alexandria. The granduates were: four students leaves the abbey on her way to meet with Captain von joined commencement exercises with 27 others Trapp and his seven children. Some of our first year who received a Bachelors in Theology, plus one who students were no doubt thinking something similar completed a two-year diploma programme. and, like Maria, found themselves overwhelmed after Dean Samy Fawzy, principal of AST, congratulated the September opening. But, thankfully, the faculty is the graduates for their efforts over the past four years, not like the von Trapp children and we have not played despite the difficulties Egypt has experienced. Dean any unkind pranks on our students…yet. Still, the Fawzy conferred the degrees with Bishop Grant sheer magnitude of the work seems to have hit them LeMarquand, vice-chairman of the board of AST, with a force likened only to a fully opened fire hydrant. and Archbishop Mouneer Hanna Anis, chairman of The new adventure began on August 28 as we had the board of AST. They were joined by Bishop Peter our very first orientation day. It was significant that this Tasker, representing the archbishop of Sydney and day also happened to be the day on which the Church AST partner institution Moore College in Australia. remembers one of the greatest African theologians, Augustine of Hippo. The 13 students are not only Hospitality for religious from different ethnic backgrounds, but are also at and political leaders different stages of their respective Christian journeys, some having come from Christian families and Ending the Ramadan Fast others having only met Jesus a few years ago. Their levels of education also differ, ranging from grade 10 Bishop Bill Musk and his wife Hilary invited the certificates to diplomas. But they are united in their Minister of Religious Affairs, Sheikh Othman Batikh desire to learn more, as they want to serve more. Each with his wife; the Grand Mufti, Sheikh Hamda Said; one already has quite a remarkable resume as far as the Vice President of the Parliament, Sheikh Abdel service in the Kingdom is concerned. Fateh Mourou; the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Church, Bishop Ilario; Father John McWilliam and the We held our first Holy Communion Service in the Rabbi (who was unable to attend) to his home for the College Chapel on Wednesday – it was such a breaking of the fast on the iid of nuss Ramadan. There blessed time together even though the building is far was a lovely atmosphere as they shared their meal from complete! together. Before the meal Sheikh Mourou and Bishop Sadly, we do not have scholarships for all 13 full-time Bill each blessed the food after standing in silence students. We only have 7 scholarships for full-time for one minute in honour of those who lost their lives students and one for a part-time student. Our 13 in Sousse. In his prayer Bishop Bill prayed for those part-time students will be joining us for an intensive grieving and for God’s protection and blessing on training course on Trauma Healing next week. Please Tunisia. pray that all our needs will be met soon! We are all anticipation as to what the Lord has in store for us as we walk this new adventure together. Thank you all for your prayers, encouragement, and support. +Grant Le Marquand, Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Egypt, September 2015

15th July 2015 15 The Diocese of Egypt with North Africa and the Horn of Africa Africa Egypt & North

The Tunisian massacre The battle for the soul of Islam

Archbishop Mouneer Hanna Anis Bishop Bill Musk, who was assistant bishop in N. Africa and Rector of the Anglican church in Tunis until his retirement in October, reflects on the massacre of holiday makers. British, was to express their sorrow and condolences over the massacre at the beach. That was very kind Halfway through this summer’s fasting month of of them. What shocked me was the explanation that Ramadan, we at St George’s Anglican Church, Tunis accompanied those condolences. It is an explanation welcomed several senior Muslim clerics to an iftar meal that I have heard repeated many times by friends here in the apartment where Hilary and I lived on the church in Tunisia and also by Muslims whom I met in UK site. Our friend, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of during the summer when they discovered that I lived Tunis, also kindly came. Unfortunately the local Rabbi in Tunis: “The man who committed this atrocity is not was out of country that evening. Members of our a Muslim.” One cleric guest even suggested, “He is Arabic-speaking congregation worked hard to serve just a criminal who has escaped from jail.” The motive the food and to provide some interpretation for me. Of for such assurance I can understand – the man does course, the heavy police presence that accompanied not want to admit to himself, any more than to me, that our guests made a big impact in the local, rather poor the commitment of such atrocities has anything to do community of Hafsiya – folk were proud to have such with his religion. “This is not Islam!” Such motive may “big” men visiting the area! We enjoyed a convivial be laudable, but it risks hiding away a recognition of evening for several hours. My only regret is that my something that has to be urgently faced in the wider spoken Arabic is so lacking! The shock of the evening Muslim community today. came for me in some chitchat with one of the Tunisian Radical Islamism, violent jihadism, militant Salafism guests as we waited for the muezzin to announce dusk – however you want to label it – is not just a security prayers and an end to the fast for that day. issue. It is a “faith” issue. It is not simply the product On the previous Friday, at a high class hotel complex of criminal minds. It is not to be summarised as on the east coast of Tunis, a little north of Sousse, a just some kind of clever, social media-contrived, Tunisian gunman had used an automatic weapon to radicalisation of teenage minds by politically astute kill 38 sunbathing tourists plus wounding as many land-grabbers. Since the 1950s, authorities in Egypt more. The whole nation was knocked off-centre in (one of the birthplaces of radical Islamism, especially shock, disbelief and shame – it was only a few months as promoted by Sayyid Qutb) have consistently since the tragic Bardo Museum incident had led to the treated the phenomenon as a security issue. The loss of life for 22 tourists. The British community was state’s answer there has habitually been to execute especially reeling as thirty of the dead, and a majority or imprison Islamists into silence. “Silence”, however, of the injured, were from the United Kingdom. Indeed, has not yet come to Egypt as we are all aware, nor Hilary and I had spent the previous Saturday and will it by this route. Monday in Sousse visiting injured folk in the intensive Radical Islamism, violent jihadism, militant Salafism – care units of several hospitals. By the Wednesday however you want to label it – is a “faith” issue. It is part evening of our iftar meal, all the British injured had of a conviction about what “Islam” means. It is focused been repatriated and the sad procession of coffins in seeking to realise what it means to be “muslim”, being flown back to UK had begun. or “submitted” to God. What does God really, really Of course, one of the earliest things that our visiting want? Well, the Qur’an recites what God wants. How Muslim dignitaries wanted to do as they arrived at our should faithful Muslims listen to that recitation, to home for iftar, especially with Hilary and myself being that “guidance”? Well, with unquestioning, obedient 16 The Diocese of Egypt with North Africa and the Horn of Africa Africa Egypt & North

hearts. Receiving the words literally is the boast of is not Westerners who are the main “target” in that all fundamentalist Muslims – a claim long and loudly fight. They more truly feature as collateral. The main promoted by Wahhabism – and don’t all Muslims argument is a Muslim argument, about what the yearn in their hearts to be fundamentalist, to be literally Islamic faith means. submitted in their obedience to God? The Islamists The challenge and difficulty for someone like me is to consistently claim the high moral ground – they are try and discover a way in which I can help suggest that the most faithful hearers of the recitation, the truest Muslims recognise and speak publicly and honestly seekers of guidance, and the most obedient of the

Archbishop Mouneer Hanna Anis about this real, ideological battle. Perhaps a good submitted. They stand in an ancient tradition that, place to begin in that process is with an admission for example, affirms that “stricter” verses from the that there is an equivalent battle going on today for Medinan period of Prophet Muhammad’s life abrogate the soul of Christianity. Again, it is a “faith” battle, “gentler” verses from the earlier, Meccan period of with a hermeneutical focus. How is the Bible to be his life. They look to their founder whose bringing of deemed authoritative? How is it to be interpreted? God’s rule into every aspect of living informed his The Christian struggle finds expression in friction conscience more strongly than any niceties about at the edges of different cultural expressions of the how captives might be treated. They look to Ibn Christian faith – as we in the Anglican Communion Taymiyya, famous fourteenth century, revered sheikh recognise all too well! Perhaps less acknowledged who claimed to re-introduce “original” interpretations are the mixed motivations (including fundamental of the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Such re-introduction faith concerns, expressed sometimes in reference included the justification for Muslims sometimes to to Christian Scripture) that influence some Western, fight Muslims on the grounds that some Muslims political bodies in their foreign policies or treatment (in Ibn Taymiyya’s case, the Mongols) had in effect of immigrant communities. I am thinking of the role of committed apostasy and therefore needed to be the religious “Right” in strongly underwriting varieties punished accordingly. Ibn Taymiyya is the theologian of American policy vis à vis the Israeli/Palestinian who was openly quoted in justification for the burning issue, or the appeal to Christian heritage in the anti- alive of the captive Jordanian pilot at the beginning of immigrant rhetoric of some politicians in Europe and 2015. He is the theological darling of Sunni Salafists Scandinavia. In other words, what “faith” means today or Jihadists today. is a conundrum as much for thinking Christians as it I am sure that my cleric friend and iftar-guest was is for thinking Muslims. Can such recognition offer a only trying to put my mind at ease with words that starting point for serious, public addressing of that he thought would assist. I do wonder whether he shared conundrum? seriously believed what he was saying. Either way, Prior to our iftar meal, after our Muslim guests had he certainly was not right in his assertion! There is completed their dusk prayers in a different room, we a global fight going on for the soul of Islam – it is a stood in silent solidarity recalling the Sousse massacre fight about hermeneutics, about how you interpret and putting those killed, injured, bereaved, involved, what God really, really wants. For the most part, it with the whole nation of Tunisia, in the hands of God. Rt Rev Dr Bill Musk Assistant Bishop for North Africa (Diocese of Egypt with North Africa & the Horn of Africa) Rector of St George’s Anglican Church, Tunis

O God, who in the past gave your Holy Spirit to the Elders of your flock, grant wisdom and understanding to those who choose a new Shepherd and Pastor for our brothers and sisters in North Africa; One who will be led into all truth, have a right judgement in all things and lead your people with the boldness born of true faith in Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. Photo St George’s, Tunis

17 The Jihadis Return Patrick Cockburn

OR Books 2014 ISBN 978-1-939293-59-6 paperback, ISBN 978-1-939293-60-2 e-book. pp 144 Pb $15/£9, E-bk $10/£6.

Syria Burning Charles Glass

OR Books 2015 ISBN 978-1-939293-88-6 paperback, ISBN 978-1-939293-89-3 e-book. pp 142 Pb $16/£11, E-bk $10/£7.

Most Western Christians may not know much about to step down, are only the most recent of American the Christian communities in the Middle East, but and British involvement in the region. Glass reminds they are now aware that their existence is threatened us that in 1949 the CIA’s man in Damascus, acting by the victories won by Sunni Muslim jihadis in Iraq in the interests of American oil companies, paid the and Syria, and by the civil war in Syria. Most people Syrian army chief of staff to arrange a coup that in the West may not know much in detail about who overthrew the parliamentary system. So began a the jihadis are and how it is that they have had such series of military coups that ended with Hafez al- rapid success, but they are aware that the caliphate Assad’s in 1970. The deliberate dismantling of the they have established in large tracts of Iraq and Syria Iraqi state after the Gulf War, and American support poses a threat, not only to Western interests but also for a partisan Shia government, prepared the way for eviews Book R eviews to Muslims who do not share the outlook of the Islamic the virtual break-up of Iraq. A situation was created State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) – the ‘so-called Islamic in which ISIS could establish itself. Western support State’, as politicians wish it to be called. for the Syrian rebels and the assumption that Assad would fall have helped to create another situation from The authors of these two books are experts in their which ISIS has profited. fields. Both have spent much time in the region over many years and have reported on developments Fuelling the rise of the jihadis is Wahabism, the there. Cockburn writes regularly for The Independent, fundamentalist form of Islam that originated in Arabia and warmly commends Glass’s book. They tell their in the eighteenth century. Espoused by the Saudis, respective stories from a close personal acquaintance it became the dominant version of Islam in Saudi with the countries, and in brief compass provide a Arabia. Not least among the ironies of the present clear and informative overall view of the situation in situation is that Wahabism is propagated and financed Iraq and Syria at the time of writing and of how it has by such staunch allies of the West as Saudi Arabia come about. ISIS is the offspring of al-Qa’ida, the and other Gulf states. While they support the jihadis, jihadi organisation most familiar in the West since the America and its Western allies are desperately trying turn of the century. Support for the jihadis appeared to to defeat them. Both books are highly critical of weaken after the early success of the Western invasion Western, American-led policies in the Middle East, of Afghanistan in 2001, and the so-called Arab Spring which have helped to create the present disastrous appeared at first to be the dawn of new democratic situation. It remains to be seen how the very recent and secular era in North Africa and the Middle East. American nuclear agreement with Shi’ite Iran and the But the jihadis made a swift and vigorous return, to consequent restoration of diplomatic relations will the dismay of the West, not least of the United States affect the situation. and Great Britain. The revolt against President Assad’s Patrick Cockburn’s conclusion, that “the Middle East government in Syria in 2011 gave them the opportunity is entering a long period of ferment in which counter- to extend their activity still further, in the process revolution may prove as difficult to consolidate as destabilising the already precarious situation in Iraq. revolution itself”, is unlikely to need radical revision. Both writers are clear that Western miscalculations and misjudgements have made a significant The reviewer is Canon Hugh Wybrew, a former Dean contribution to the rise of ISIS. Western interventions of St George’s Cathedral, Jerusalem. Now actively in the Middle East, such as the Iraq war of 2003, retired in Oxford, his interests include Eastern and politicians’ calls for President Bashar al-Assad Orthodox Christianity. He is a Director of JMECA.

18 Obituary

Rt. Reverend Samir Kafity Twelth Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem The Rt. Rev. Samir Hana Kafity, twelfth bishop in Jerusalem and former presiding bishop of the Middle East Province, and bishop-in-residence at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Poway, died on the afternoon of Aug. 21 at home after a stroke. He was 81 years old. “Bishop Kafity kept a ball of barbed wire on his desk to help him remember that he was pastor to Christians on both sides of the barbed wire,” said the Rev. Mark McKone-Sweet, rector of St. Bartholomew’s, Poway, the parish home of Bishop Kafity and his family for the past eighteen years. “He gave himself relentlessly to bringing peace to all people, regardless of race, nationality, faith or political group, by breaking down differences and collaborating with countless religious leaders around the world.” The Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, said that when he arrived in this diocese over ten years ago as a new bishop, “it was a blessing to have a giant of the Anglican Communion present and active in our diocese.” Bishop Mathes joins “the Kafity family, the people of our diocese, the people of the Diocese of Jerusalem , and friends around the world are grieving the loss of Bishop Kafity; the church and the world are better because of his life and ministry.” “Bishop Kafity was passionate for peace,” said the Rev. Canon John L. Peterson, Washington National Cathedral’s canon for global justice and reconciliation. “He was the Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem during two major political conflicts, the first Intifada and the first Gulf War. He firmly believed that the foundation stone of peace was always justice and his call for peace always centered around a just world for all people. One of Bishop Kafity’s great sayings was ‘we are all citizens of Jerusalem.’ Today we celebrate Bishop Kafity’s life among us as he becomes a citizen of the heavenly Jerusalem.” Born September 21, 1933 in Haifa, Palestine to an Anglican family, Kafity was educated at the American University of Beirut and was ordained to the Anglican priesthood in 1958 at St. George’s Anglican Cathedral, Jerusalem. After ministering as parish priest there, he served at St. Andrew’s, Ramallah; St. Peter’s, Bir Zeit; and All Saints, Beirut, where he served in the capacity of parish priest and archdeacon. In 1976 he returned to St. George’s Cathedral, Jerusalem to be the executive secretary of the diocesan council. In the late 1970s he was a lecturer at Bir Zeit University and archdeacon of Jerusalem. In 1982 he became coadjutor bishop of Jerusalem and in 1984, he became the twelfth bishop in Jerusalem. For the next 14 years he served in that position, only the second Palestinian-Arab to do so. He received the Star of Bethlehem from the Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, was dubbed a Knight of the Holy Sepulcher by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, was made an honorary chaplain by the Order of St. John, was awarded the Royal Jordanian Star, second degree, by King Hussein and was made a life member on the supreme council of the YMCA. He was awarded honorary degrees by Virginia Theological Seminary, Dickson College and the University of Kent at Canterbury. In 1998, he retired to Poway, California where he served as bishop-in-residence at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church. His involvement in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego began that year with visitations and workshops about the Middle East. His presence was particularly helpful after the events of September 11th, as was his personal example of love, care, mercy and compassion. He strengthened interfaith relations with Jews and Muslims in the diocese, preaching regularly, leading workshops, and occasionally leading trips to the Holy Land. He became an American citizen on March 15, 2002 and was made an honorary colleague in the Episcopal Church’s House of Bishops in 2004 Bishop Kafity is survived by his wife of 52 years, Najat Abed, their two daughters, Samar Hireish and Rula Kassicieh, and four grandchildren, Beshara, Serene, Michael and Mark.

19 Bishop of Iran: Diocese of Iran The Rt. Revd. Azad Marshall Iran

There have been Christians in Iran since the

Bishop Azad Marshall earliest days of the Church and the indigenous Churches continue as minorities in this predominantly Muslim country. The Anglican presence arose out of missionary work by the Church Missionary Society Lord Jesus and there is a small Church which looks to the Bishop we thank you for all those who uphold for spiritual leadership. The diocesan institutions – the faith in Iran. schools and hospitals and work among the blind – We pray that you will give them courage, have gone but the tiny Church persists. Members of enrich them with the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Church need much prayer for strength to witness and strengthen their sense of belonging to their faith and for protection from the opposition. to the Universal Church There have been martyrs since the Revolution, and so that their sense of isolation may be relieved. the situation can only really be described, in human Amen. terms, as unpredictable. The Diocese of Iran differs from other dioceses in the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East in that it consists purely of congregations of Christians, with no medical, educational or other institutions. They were expropriated, along with institutions run by other Churches, after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. O Lord God, Heavenly Father, So week by week the four congregations in Tehran, you brought the Persian Magi to honour Isfahan, Julfa (a suburb of Isfahan) and Shiraz meet for our Lord Jesus at his birth, fellowship and worship. Their numbers are not large, after they had waited hundreds of years but they gather faithfully, supported by prayer, by the for a Saviour. pastoral visits made by Bishop Azad, the leadership We now pray for your people in Iran, in Tehran of the Revd Christopher Edgar and others both for those who already know you and in Isfahan and Shiraz. those who are still waiting. Churches in the Diocese: St Luke Isfahan, St Simon Pour down your Holy Spirit upon them: the Zealot Shiraz, St Paul Tehran, St Paul’s Julfa. Redeem them, heal them, build them up, guide them into all truth, and protect them To help Bible Lands readers offer support in prayer we in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. publish a selection of prayers for the Churches and Christians in Iran: A prayer using some of the New Testament titles for Jesus found in the eight-pointed Persian star designed Some words from the famous Iranian poet Hafez, by Dr Norman Sharp for St Simon the Zealot Church, whose tomb is in Shiraz. Iranians are great lovers of Shiraz. In Farsi each of the names begins with an alef poetry. (a long vertical stroke) which points to the name Jesus Christ in the centre of the star. And if the Holy Ghost descend in grace and power infinite His comfort in these days to lend to those who humbly wait on it Theirs too the wondrous works shall be that Jesus wrought in Galilee.

Guide with thy pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth, that in tranquillity thy kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of thy love.

Israeli ministry cuts education funding by the Ministry were unrealistic and would cause further Christian Schools close financial burden on parents of our students. in protest For hundreds of years, our schools have provided quality On 1st September, Archbishop Suheil met with teachers education. Our commitment to education and advancement and staff at Christ’s Episcopal School, Nazareth for the of our society is embodied in our mission and vision. opening of the new academic year. Therefore, we call upon the Ministry of Education and the government of Israel to take immediate action and end Sadly, the school, along with 46 other Christian schools, this strike by responding to the schools’ modest and just has not been able to open following severe cuts to their demands in order for our students, teachers and parents budget by the Israeli Ministry of Education. The Ministry of to resume their normal life. Education regards Christian schools as “recognized but unofficial”. In 2014, the Ministry cut the budget for Christian The struggle of our schools is a just cause, in seeking not schools by 55%. This academic year the budget has been only equal rights, but also recognition of the outstanding cut by 71%. services that are offered. The school is unable to operate on 29% of its funds. We thank all those who have stood with our schools in their Protesting against the cuts, the Christian schools began a strife, as we hope and pray that this undesirable and painful series of strikes on 1st September. strike will end with the return of the full rights and respect to our schools, so that they can continue this mission of Subsequently Archbishop Suheil joined other heads of education for the glory of God and service for humanity.” churches in Jerusalem in calling for resolution of a school strike by the authorities’ “responding to the schools’ modest The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem and just demands”. +Patriarch Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarchate +Patriarch Fouad Twal, Latin Patriarchate The full text of the statement: +Patriarch Nourhan Manougian, Armenian Apostolic Heads of Churches in Orthodox Patriarchate +Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, ofm, Custos of the Holy Land Jerusalem: Statement on +Archbishop Anba Abraham, Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate, Christian Schools in Israel Jerusalem “We, the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem, +Archbishop Swerios Malki Murad, Syrian Orthodox are distressed that our schools in Israel are on strike for Patriarchate more than two weeks. It hurts to see 33,000 students from +Archbishop Aba Embakob, Ethiopian Orthodox Patriarchate all faiths and denominations out of their classrooms, while +Archbishop Joseph-Jules Zerey, Greek-Melkite-Catholic hundreds of teachers and employees are watching their Patriarchate schools empty. This situation is a grave inconvenience +Archbishop Mosa El-Hage, Maronite Patriarchal Exarchate to the parents as their children remain at home, while +Archbishop Suheil Dawani, Episcopal Church of Jerusalem education is a basic human right that no child should be and the Middle East denied. +Bishop Munib Younan, Evangelical Lutheran Church in The struggle for justice and equality for our schools started Jordan and the Holy Land almost two years ago, after serious budget cuts imposed +Bishop Pierre Malki, Syrian Catholic Patriarchal Exarchate upon our schools caused a financial deficit. Negotiations between the Office of Christian Schools in Israel and the +Msgr. Georges Dankaye’, Armenian Catholic Patriarchal Ministry of Education failed and all solutions presented Exarchate September 2015

Christian schools in Israel have ended their strike after reaching an agreement with the Education Ministry. Late The strike lasted more than a month but the 33,000 students in 47 schools returned in early October. News The Education Ministry agreed to allocate a one-off payment of $12.5 million to the schools. The Secretariat for Christian Schools in Israel said: “We regard the agreement as a provisional achievement for our schools, given that we received not only one-time financial support but also an agreement to establish a committee to change our legal status, which will enable a long-term solution.”

21 Praying round the Province The Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East, home to the three Abrahamic faiths and the centre of the world’s political conflicts, asks for your prayers.

1st The Presiding Bishop of the Province, The Most Revd. Archbishop Dr. Mouneer Anis. THE DIOCESE OF JERUSALEM 2nd The Archbishop, Most Revd Archbishop Suheil Dawani and his wife, Shafeeqa. For wisdom as he leads the church in Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. His administrative staff and Very Revd. Canon Hosam Naoum, Dean of the cathedral. 3rd The clergy serving the parishes and institutions in Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon and the congregations who keep the faith and sustain the churches in troubled times. 4th The hospitals, and centres that tend the sick: Diabetic Clinic Ramallah, St. Luke’s Nablus, Alhi Arab hospital Gaza, Penman Clinic Zebabdeh. 5th The schools that prepare the next generation: St. George’s Jerusalem, the International School Jerusalem, Arab Episcopal School Ramallah, Vocational Training Centre Ramallah, Christ’s School Nazareth, St. John’s School Haifa, The Ahliyyah School for Girls, the Bishop’s Kindergarten and the Bishop’s School for Boys Amman, The Schneller Vocational Training Institute Amman, St. Saviour’s School Zerqa, St. John Baptist School for Integration of the Blind Irbid, St. George’s School Lod. 6th The centres that give hope to the hurt: Princess Basma Centre for Disabled Children Jerusalem, Holy Land Institute for the Deaf Salt, The Jofeh Community Rehabilitation Centre Jordan Valley, The Father Andeweg Institute for the Deaf Beirut, St. Luke’s Centre for the Mentally Disabled Beirut, the Home for the Elderly Amman, The Episcopal Home for Children Ramallah. 7th The guest houses that provide hospitality and refreshment for pilgrims and all visitors, St. George’s Jerusalem, St. Margaret’s Nazareth, St. Andrew’s Ramallah, Schneller Institute Amman and Christ Church Jerusalem. 8th The peace work the Peace and Reconciliation Movement, The Kids4Peace programme, Sabeel and the people from all sides who seek peace and pursue it. 9th The international courses at St George’s Jerusalem, the Dean Revd. Dr Gregory Jenks, and the Course Director, Revd. Dr. Rodney Aist. Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed, Kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all thy people the true love of peace

THE DIOCESE OF IRAN 10th The Bishop, Rt. Revd Azad Marshall, Revd. Christopher Edgar and others who take leadership roles. 11th The political leadership of the nation. The well being of all people in Iran. 12th The congregations of the Episcopal Church in Isfahan, Tehran, Shiraz and Julfa. The cities where congregations have worshipped in past years - Kerman, Yezd, Ahwaz. 13th All involved in ministry among Iranians through media,literature, witness and leadership training. 14th The Diaspora of Iranian Christians scattered in many nations. Guide with thy pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth, that in tranquillity thy kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of thy love.

22 Praying round the Province Blessed Lord, who faced the time of trial have mercy on our failings and out of our weakness bring your strength

THE DIOCESE OF CYPRUS AND THE GULF 15th The Bishop, Rt. Revd. Michael Lewis and his wife, Julia, and his Administrative staff. 16th The Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral Nicosia, Very Revd. Jeremy Crocker. The Dean of St.Christopher’s Cathedral Bahrain, Very Revd. Christopher Butt. 17th The Archdeacon of the Gulf, Ven. Bill Schwartz and his wife Edith. The Archdeacon of Cyprus Ven. Dr. John Holdsworth and his wife Sue. 18th The clergy of Cyprus serving the people of Kyrenia, Larnaca, Limassol, Ayia Nape, Paphos, Famagusta and for the faithful who serve those churches, the work of the Katafiyio Retreat House. 19th The clergy of the Gulf, serving the people of Dubai, Sharjah, Oman, Jebel Ali, Ras al Khaimeh, Aden, and the scattered congregations of the Arabian Peninsular who keep the faith privately. 20th The church in Qatar, and for Father Paul Davies, who leads the mission of the Epiphany Centre. 21st The congregation of Baghdad, led by Reverend Faiz Jerjas. The people of Iraq, of all faiths, and all the Iraqi Christians who are sheltering in other lands. 22nd The political leaders of the ten jurisdictions, in Cyprus, in Iraq and in the Gulf States, that all may seek and make just and stable governments. Almighty and everlasting God, creator and giver of all good gifts, mercifully hear our prayers and grant to this diocese all things needful for its welfare DIOCESE OF EGYPT with N.AFRICA and THE HORN OF AFRICA 23rd The Bishop, the Most Revd. Archbishop Dr. Mouneer Anis and his wife, Nancy. 24th North Africa, the appointment of a new bishop for North Africa, and all those who have borne brave witness in Libya 25th The Ethiopian mission. The Bishop in the Horn of Africa, Rt. Revd. Dr. Grant LeMarquand and his wife, Wendy and all who seek to build a serving church. 26th The clergy who serve the church day by day in Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Ethiopia and Eritrea, and the congregations who sustain them. 27th The Institutions that serve the community: The Harpur Hospital in Cairo, Health Centre in Sadat City, the Episcopal School Menouf, the work with the deaf, with refugees, with prisoners and in other areas of welfare and social need. 28th The Theological School in Alexandria with its Principal Revd. Canon Dr. Samy Fawzy Shehata, all his staff and students, that it may be a place of sound learning and good fellowship. 29th The political leaders of the many and diverse nations that form the diocese, that Government may be just and sound. Strengthen the faithful, protect the children, comfort the sick, uplift the fallen bring us all to be of one heart and one mind within the fellowship of thy holy church *** 30th The Jerusalem and the Middle East Church Association, its Chairman Mr Richard Owens, the chair of Standing Committee Mr. John Clark, the Administrator Mrs Shirley Eason and all whose gifts, past and present, sustain it.

23 Spain Turkey

6 14 2 3 1 15 Afghanistan Morocco 4 13

5 7 8 16

17 18 Pakistan

The Four Dioceses Sudan 20 Jerusalem Egypt & North Africa Bishop Suheil Dawani Bishop Mouneer Hanna Anis 9 1. Palestine & Israel 5. Algeria 21 2. Lebanon 6. Tunisia 3. Syria 7. Libya 4. Jordan 8. Egypt 11 The 9. Eritrea Cyprus and the Gulf 10. Ethiopia Bishop Michael Lewis 11. Djibouti 10 Anglican 14. Cyprus 12. Somalia 15. Iraq 16. Kuwait Iran Province 17. Bahrain Bishop Azad Marshall 12 18. Qatar 13. Iran of Jerusalem and 19. United Arab Emirates 20. Oman Kenya the Middle East 21. Yemen